Fool's Gold
Diving into the new film
from director Andy Tennant (Hitch) I found that what lay below was much
more than the romantic comedy I was expecting.
Fool's Gold is as
much and actually more an action filled adventure with a little romance
sprinkled in. A film that could have just as easily been titled Sahara
II it is filled with hidden treasure and exploration on the deep clear
blue. Sure it doesn't have that Bruckheimer touch that makes films like
Pirates and National Treasure colossal blockbusters. But
when it comes to wit, likeable characters, and exciting adventure, don't
be fooled into thinking Fool's Gold is anything short of a grand
ride. Still the fact that it is more adventure than romance doesn't take
it off the Valentine radar. This is the perfect date movie for the cupid
holiday season. I just ask the wives to realize that we can't all look
like McConaughey at his age.
Matthew McConaughey (Ben
'Finn' Finnegan) and Kate Hudson (Tess Finnegan) pair up as a couple on
the verge of divorce, her idea not his, who are
thrown together for one
last shot at a treasure that has eluded them for years. The problem is
that Ben is broke and Tess is tired of putting up with
his surfer boy mentality
and presumed lack of responsibility. Ben has to persuade Multi millionaire
Nigel Honeycutt (Donald Sutherland) to fund the
exploration while staying
a step ahead of the last person he borrowed money from. In this case a
gangster rapper called BiggBunny (Kevin Hart). Yet he
still doesn't understand
why Tess would want a divorce. Throw in a few other hunters who want the
treasure and you have quite the fast paced adventure.
In the vain of Hepburn and
Tracy or Doris Day and Rock Hudson; Kate and Matthew are the perfect onscreen
couple. They just look as if they belong
together. The camera loves
them and for good reason. Even when they argue on screen it seems as if
they have been doing it as husband and wife for years. This comfortableness
allows the viewer to relax and enjoy the story. The entire cast works well
in this film. No one is there for filler and each
brings a little something
to the script. The only issue I had was that there were so many characters.
At times you have to regroup and figure out who is
who. It is not largely distracting
but I did notice it. Alexis Dziena almost steals the film as HoneyCutt's
daughter Gemma. A dingy socialite who grew up on shopping and leisure.
And from the looks of her, very little food. But she is hilarious and adds
an off the wall side character that is unique and refreshing.
Fool's Gold is rated
PG-13 for action violence, some sexual material, brief nudity and language.
The nudity is less than brief and most will probably
miss it. But it is there.
The violence is rougher than National Treasure and you have quite
a bit of gun play and fist fights. But as with most action
comedies no one can hit
anything no matter how many times they fire. The main content problem I
had was the language. Though void of the one allowed F bomb there are several
expletives peppered through the entire script. Still, a pretty tame and
enjoyable film for anyone 14 and over. I must say
I truly enjoyed this film.
Again, don't let the idea of another romantic comedy fool you. Dive in
and enjoy the ride. I give it 4 out of 5 spins around the bay.
Matt Mungle (2/07/08)
Matt is a member of the North
Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and co-hosts a weekly radio feature,
The Mungles on Movies, with his wife Cindy.
For additional reviews,
interview clips and great DVD giveaways, visit the website www.mungleshow.com
Review copyright 2008 Mungleshow
Productions. Used by Permission.
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